LTFRB—it’s about time

The chairman of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) showed strong political will that’s been wanting for a long time from the government agency that’s mandated to make those engaged in public utility transport to toe the line and to provide safe public commute.

The gutsy chairman vows to subject erring public transport companies stiff fines for any infringement of the rules and a close-down for going against the law.

He’ll pass the test when he doesn’t blink even when strong politicians give him a call threatening assignment to Timbuktu or a budget of One Peso for the next year (this happened to a former chairman who was a stickler for rules) or unscrupulous lawyers making a call with suitcases of cash from equally unscrupulous bus operators.

 If the good chairman maintains this tuwid na daan (straight path) bravado, we may finally see the end of colorum vehicles clogging EDSA.

And that remains to be seen.

Keep it up Mr. Chairman, the motoring public is completely behind you.

Chevrolet and One World Football Project

Did you know that there’s such as a thing as a “nearly indestructible football”?

It’s called “One World Futbol” that was invented by a Mr. Tim Jahnigen who was inspired after watching news footage of youth in Darfur playing a football game using a ball of trash made from twine. The unique One World Futbol never needs a pump and never goes flat even when punctured and are designed to outlast and outplay hundreds of regular soccer balls, sustaining play in any environment.

In pursuit of bringing the healing “power of play” to disadvantaged children and youth, Chevrolet, the founding sponsor of One World Futbol Project, made a special delivery of more than 17,000 One World Futbols to schools and communities in the Philippines. Last February 7, Chevrolet handed over the ultra-durable footballs to seven non-profit organizations and programs in a ceremony held at the Philippine Marine Headquarters in Taguig City. 

“Working together, Chevrolet and One World Futbol Project are bringing the joy of football and play to children and youth in disadvantaged communities and schools so that children can learn, grow and interact no matter their circumstance and hopefully will build their confidence, provide direction and purpose to better their future,” says Atty. Albert Arcilla, Chevrolet Philippines president and managing director during the simple but meaningful turnover ceremonies.

And speaking of Chevrolet, which is exclusively imported and distributed in the Philippines by The Car Covenant Company, Inc. (TCCCI), it has registered a phenomenal growth of 52% in 2013 as proudly announced during a Thanksgiving Party exclusive for the motoring media held at the Spiral of the Sofitel Hotel last month.

TCCI’s “woman of substance” SVP & director for marketing and customer services, Ms. Lyn Buena confided that in December 2013 alone, Chevrolet Philippines sold a record 634 units, lead by the Trailblazer and the Colorado pick up registering an increase of 84.2% compared to the same month of last year. 

In 2013, Chevrolet dealerships all over the country increased from 12 to 20 and are expected to hit 29 by the end of 2014. “This is the best time to be with Chevrolet. We have the right products, the right network and a focused and passionate management that will do everything to deliver on the brand’s promises,” says Atty. Albert Arcilla, the very amiable TCCCI managing director.

It’s very interesting to see a brand soar to its present heights, thanks to a very dedicated management team.

Eleven years of dominance

With the continuing hastened development of the local auto industry, the motoring media is presently having quite a hectic schedule of “thanksgiving parties” by very appreciative automobile companies that do not fail to acknowledge the role of the “fourth estate” in spreading the good word about the latest developments in the sector like new and remarkable models being introduced in the country.

Last week Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importers and distributors of BMW automobiles in the Philippines heralded its “unmatched leadership” with its 11th year of dominance in the luxury vehicle market.

“We at ACC are honored to celebrate another year of being number one in the Philippine luxury automotive market. It is with great pride that we can say that, over the years, we have gained the utmost trust and unwavering support of the Philippine luxury market, as seen by BMW’s continued market dominance for the eleventh straight year,” says Ms. Maricar Parco, the lovely lady president of ACC.         

BMW closed 2013 with total of 653 units sold, accounting for a 34% market share, with July marking the highest sales record for the year when it sold 93 units registering a 49% dominating share of the premium segment.

The “thanksgiving party” for motoring journalists was held at the 8th BMW dealership in the country that was newly-opened and inaugurated last year—AutoAllee BMW in Eton Centris, North Edsa, where we were met by its chairman, Mr. Clemente Garcia and vice chairman, Mr. William Sim, both fellow gun enthusiasts but very responsible gun owners as well, and graciously toured by AutoAllee president, the youthful Justin Koa.

AutoAllee BMW is housed in a three-story structure standing in a 1,900 sq. meter lot that boasts of the most complete and premium line-up of services in the BMW network of dealerships. Its new features include a ‘new car’ delivery area, the only air-conditioned service assessment area in the country, a two-car service elevator, a six-car service garage, an Isetta bar on its second floor, a BMW Premium Selection showroom in its third floor, to mention some—impressive indeed.  

“To continue spread Joy in 2014, BMW will travel around the archipelago with the BMW Roadshow to promote the brand in areas with far reach from dealerships,” says Glen Dasig, ACC marketing director. “Of course we’ll be at the Summer Test Drive Festival at the Mall of Asia from April 24 to 27, where we’ll have for test drive most of the BMW Premium models for those aspiring BMW customers,” added the always dapper ACC executive.

Way to go, BMW!

Thank you for your continuing support

Although I have made it my personal life-long covenant to continue holding free road safety seminars and workshops to make our young students safe and responsible road users, this advocacy would always be hindered by logistical problems if not for the unqualified support of people who are not only my personal friends, they are also responsible corporate citizens that recognize their duty to promote road safety.

From the auto industry who just committed to participate in the 4th batch of 8 to 10 schools there’s Ms. Ginia Domingo, the alluring lady president and coo of Columbian Auto Car, importers and distributors of Kia in the country, there’s Atty. Albert Arcilla, the youthful president and managing director of The Car Covenant Company, Inc., importers and distributors of Chevrolet and Jing Atienza, First vp and Sherwin Chua Lim, vp for marketing of Toyota Motor Philippines, they are part of the list of those who eagerly renewed their support for the Young Street Smarts Road Safety School Tour, the series of road safety seminars that we conduct free of charge in high schools located in Metro Manila and adjoining provinces and if logistics would permit in the future, all over the country. Yes there’s very keen competition in the local auto industry but when it comes to the industry players’ corporate social responsibility to promote road safety, they work as one big family.    

Then there’s Raissa Bautista, the very friendly Manager for Policy, Government and Public Affairs of Chevron Philippines who made good her promise to have Chevron’s participation in supporting the teach-ins for students, faculty members and in some cases together with parents that can indeed be life-saving.

Other continuing supporters include the Manila North Tollways Corporation, PCSO, Air21, Asian Carmakers Corp-BMW, Cats Motors, PGA Cars, Lexus Manila, and we’re just waiting for their confirmation to renew their participation in the project, which would now endeavor to bring the seminars and workshops to our 4th batch of schools composed of from 8 to 10 schools.

Again, on behalf of all the students, teachers and parents who have attended the seminars and workshops and to those lined up in the future—thank you for your undying support.

Happy Motoring!!!

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